David Grossman receives an honorary award for tolerance at Literature Days
David Grossman receives an honorary award for tolerance at Literature Days
On Sunday morning, Israeli and peace activist David Grossman were awarded the honorary award of the Austrian book trade for tolerance in thinking and acting during the European Literary Days in Krems. This happened at a time when Grossman shared his dark ideas about the current situation in the Middle East, which he described as "new, frightening reality".
In his speech, Benedikt Föger, the President of the main association of Austrian book trade, emphasized how important it was to maintain hope for peace despite all the difficulties. Grossman's appreciation took over literary critics and cultural scientists Lothar Müller, who praised him as a bridge builder between different concepts of religion, human rights and human dignity.shocking thoughts on the situation in Israel
In conversation with journalist Rosie Goldsmith, Grossman said that the massacre of October 7, 2023 was an "absolute nightmare" for him. In his eyes, the situation in Israel is catastrophic and he fears that the country could lose its democratic features. He also warned that anti -Semitism will spread "like burning coal in the wind". Despite all these negative thoughts, Grossman remains in Israel and explains that it is becoming increasingly difficult to like the country because society is getting used to the role of the occupier.
When asked about boycott measures against Israel, Grossman said that they would have the wrong people, especially those that stand up for dialogue. Such measures would only make communication channels more difficult. He found that, despite the prevailing brutality, he should not be victims. "When Israeli and Jew, I shouldn't be a victim," said Grossman.
He describes his writer work as a process in which his books reflect the stations of his life. "I write books when they are inevitable," he said, referring to writing as a kind of therapy to process their own feelings and to counteract grief.
Grossman, born in 1954, made a name as an author of children's and youth books, novels and essays and has already been recognized with numerous prizes. His awards include the Peace Prize of German Book Trade in 2010 for his strong commitment to dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. He was recently awarded the Marion Dönhoff Prize in 2024. His latest work, "Peace is the only option", appeared in German in 2024.
The honorary award of the Austrian book trade has been awarded as part of the European Literary Days since 2017. The next edition of this festival has been announced for the period from November 20 to 23, 2025, as Festival Manager Walter Grond announced.
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